What does astronomical mean?
Astronomical is an adjective with two closely related uses. In its literal sense it means relating to astronomy, the scientific study of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies — as in astronomical observations or astronomical distances. Far more frequently, however, it is used figuratively to mean extremely large, often to a startling or almost unbelievable degree: an astronomical price, an astronomical salary, astronomical odds. This figurative sense arose naturally because the numbers involved in describing the universe are so immense that 'astronomical figures' became shorthand for any vast quantity. The word carries a connotation of excess or astonishment and is common in journalism, business reporting, and everyday complaint about costs. It is standard in both British and American English, informal through formal registers, and remains one of the most vivid ways English has of saying that something is simply enormous.
Extremely large in amount, extent, or degree.
"Repairing the cathedral roof will cost an astronomical sum."
This is by far the most common modern sense.
Relating to astronomy, the scientific study of celestial bodies and phenomena.
"Ancient peoples made careful astronomical records of eclipses."
Typically found in scientific, historical, or educational writing.
The word 'astronomical' literally means 'star-related' — yet today we mostly use it for things that have nothing to do with stars: salaries, phone bills, and transfer fees.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astronomical
Astronomical derives from Latin astronomicus, borrowed from Greek astronomikos, meaning 'relating to astronomy'. Greek astronomia combines astron ('star') with nomos ('arrangement' or 'law'), literally 'the law or arrangement of the stars'. The adjective entered English in the sixteenth century, and its figurative sense of 'enormously large' developed later, inspired by the vast magnitudes astronomers work with. It shares the Greek root astron- with words such as astrology, astrolabe, asterisk, and asteroid.
How astronomical is actually used
The figurative sense ('enormous') is far more common in everyday speech than the literal astronomical sense, which tends to appear in scientific or educational contexts. The figurative use is standard in both British and American English and carries a tone of exaggeration or astonishment.
Easily confused with astronomical
'Astrological' pertains to astrology (horoscopes and zodiac signs), whereas 'astronomical' pertains to astronomy, the scientific study of celestial bodies.